A little help for choosing between digital and offset printing
Digital vs. Offset
Depending on the scope of work, offset printing may or may not be the best technology for your project. The table below will provide you with information on which is right for you. And if you're still unsure, contact your local TPH® Manager.
OFFSET |
DIGITAL |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Quantity |
High quantities, 750+ |
Low quantities (short runs) less than 750 |
|
Colour |
Pantone® (PMS) or CMYK |
CMYK |
|
Turnaround |
Drying time required |
Need it quickly, short turnaround |
|
Price |
Prints higher quantities at much less cost |
Prints lower quantities at much less cost |
|
Quality |
Higher image quality, higher resolution and no streaks/spots. The ability to produce gradients, vibrant colours, solids and metallics |
High image quality not a factor |
|
Sheet Size |
Largest sheet size available: 12x18 |
Most digital presses only print up to a 14x20 sheet although 12x18 is the most common sheet size |
|
Variable Text |
No |
Can print variable text or images where each sheet off the press is unique in some personalized way (database driven, e.g. mailing lists, marketing materials, direct mail pieces, letters, etc. with a different name/address or number/code on each printed piece) |
|
Finishing |
Must dry or be coated before handling |
Once a sheet is off a digital press it can be cut, folded or finished immediately |
|
Special Inks |
Yes - metallics, fluorescents, PMS colours |
No special inks (metallics, fluorescents) since all colors will have to fall within a CMYK gamut |
|
Stock/Printing Surfaces |
Works on a wide range of printing surfaces including thick paper, rough paper and |
Limited choice of stocks available |
|
Proofing |
If you need hard copy proofs, very accurate colour proofing can become expensive |
Offers more accurate proofs, since what you see is an actual sample of the printed piece. Printed using the exact process as the intended run |
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